Did you know that skin, haircoat, and ear conditions are among the most common health problems that occur in dogs and cats? And, that these conditions often cause discomfort and a reduced quality of life over many years in pets? No matter what the diagnosis, your UWVC Dermatology/Allergy team will build a custom treatment plan that keeps your companion healthy and comfortable.
Our Board Certified Veterinary Dermatologists® specialize in treating a wide variety of skin conditions, including:
- Itching, excessive dander or scale, greasy skin, dry skin or crusting
- Skin allergies to food, fleas, or environmental substances
- Click here for some FAQs about Allergy Testing in pets
- Skin infections, including those of a recurrent nature
- Recurrent or resistant ear infections
- Lumps and bumps, including removal by laser or cryosurgery (freezing)
- Parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites
- Hair loss
- Nail disease
- Rare autoimmune skin diseases
What to expect at my pet's Dermatology Appointment
RESEARCH GIVES US A LEG UP
The Dermatology/Allergy team at UW School of Veterinary Medicine pioneered the development of new and effective treatments for skin conditions, including:
- Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT or “allergy drops”), a drug-free, easily administered oral treatment for skin allergies, which “re-programs” the pet’s immune system so that it does not over-react to common allergens. This treatment was first researched and developed for use in pets at UW.
- Vaccines to help prevent recurrences of staphylococcal (“staph”) skin infections in dogs
- Optimized treatment protocols to treat and prevent the spread of dermatophyte (“ringworm”) infections in pets, both on an individual basis and in pet shelters
SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT
You do not need a referral from your regular veterinarian to schedule an appointment with the Dermatology/Allergy Clinic, though it is always very helpful for us to have your pet’s prior medical records as part of our evaluation.
- This Welcome Letter explains more about our services and will help you understand what to expect during your appointment. Additional specific information for different skin conditions can be found below.
- If possible, please complete the Client History Questionnaire before you arrive for your visit.
- If possible, please arrange to have medical records from past treatments sent to us for review prior to your appointment. Medical records can be sent by fax to us at (608) 265-8276 or email them to us at referral@vetmed.wisc.edu.
Additionally, here are some important tips that will make your visit run smoothly:
- Do not bathe your pet for at least one week prior to the appointment. Bathing often removes valuable “clues” that we use as part of diagnosis.
- Stop giving antihistamines, sedatives, and tranquilizers for at least seven days before your appointment. These medications can interfere with testing and lesion appearance, making it more difficult for us to treat your pet.
- Do not feed your pet after 10pm the day before your appointment, unless there is a medically necessary reason to do so (such as diabetes). This will help make any necessary testing easier.
- You will receive a telephone call from our staff 5-7 days before your appointment, as a reminder and with any other specific instructions.
Information on Skin Conditions in Pets:
Questions About Allery Testing
Information on Allergy Shots and Allergy Drops
Food and Skin Disease In Pets
Medications: Cyclosporin (Atopica or Cyclavance)
Medications: Apoquel Tablets
Medications: Cytopoint Injections
UWVC Dermatology Team
DERMATOLOGY DOCTORS
DERMATOLOGY CLIENT CARE LIAISON
Veterinary Nursing
- Alicia E., CVT
- Tammi Walsh, CVT Supervisor
Schedule an Appointment
Due to strong demand and constraints in staffing and space, appointment availability for new patients in Dermatology is currently limited. Please contact us for details.
